How did the religious tradition of "Mothering Day," become a secular holiday called "Mother's Day? In 1908, a woman named Anna Jarvis set in motion her mother's desire to create a day that celebrated the purity of a mother's love.
With the help of a wealthy merchant and President Woodrow Wilson, her desire became a reality six years later.
* Over the years, however, the holiday transformed into a commercial day of spending.
In fact, according to the National Retail Federation 2010 Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, "Mother's Day," has become one of the most commercially successful days for flowers, restaurants and jewelry owners.
However, today's version of Mother's Day is far from the original holy tradition, which began in 15th century Europe.
Centuries ago, Christian followers were known to come together on "Mothering Day", to pay reverence to Mary, the Virgin Mother of God and the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sadly, when this tradition was lost, so was the ability to learn about God through Mary, the Mother of God.
What can Christians learn from Mary about God? · God will use the humble servant to do His will (Lk 1:38).
Mary came from a very humble upbringing and God called upon her to carry His only Son.
· Christians should rejoice in the Lord during times of uncertainty (Lk 1:46-55).
When Mary was told she would carry the Son of God, she prayed a prayer of thanksgiving and rejoiced in the Lord.
· God wants Christians to put Him above all else, even our own safety (Matthew 1:19).
Mary believed Joseph wanted to put her away secretly; she even risked being stoned to death.
But God revealed to Joseph His plan, then kept both of them and their unborn child under His protection.
· God will protect Christians from harm while they do His will (Matthew 1:20-24, 2:13-15) And, When Christians feel compassion for Mary's trials, they can deepen their spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ.
A perfect example.
It was the day before Easter 2011, and I had taken my youngest child to the nearby park.
I had promised he could participate in the annual Easter egg hunt with his friends from school.
Because we arrived at the exact time of the scheduled hunt, we had to run to find our place in line.
Large areas of the field were taped off, marking the zones for separated age groups.
Yet, there were no signs posted to know exactly where to stand.
My son and I found our place in line behind several rows of anxious children and their parents.
He quickly spotted a few of his friends in line and moved to stand next to them.
Within minutes, another parent standing next to me, said, "Did you know this section is for 3-5 year-olds?" Because my son was six, we were in the wrong age group.
But by then, additional parents and children had arrived and were scrunched behind us.
I instantly wondered, "Should I take my son to the correct area?" Then woman with a small megaphone began to announce that parents should wait for their children at the other side of the enclosure, at least 30 feet away.
Confused and faced with a quick decision, I let my son remain by his friends and I ran to other side of the field.
The whistle blew just as I approached the other side.
I immediately began to visually scan the marked off area for my son.
I couldn't find him! Where was my son? Panic pierced my heart and I began to pray, "Please Lord Jesus, I don't see my son.
Please help me see my son.
Please Lord Jesus!" As I continued to attempt to find my son, a crowd of children and parents ran down the field, rushing past where I stood.
I stepped over the yellow tape and ran towards where I saw my son last, continuing to beg God to reveal my son.
Then suddenly, I looked up and saw his green shirt.
We made eye contact and ran directly to his side.
Within seconds, a sense of relief breezed its way into my heart.
He was safe, in my arms again! Later, when my son and I started to walk towards our car, I began to reflect about the feeling I had experienced.
As God would have it, an image of Mary, the Mother of God, entered my mind.
I pictured her agonizingly watching the crowd of angry men and women taking Jesus way from her safe arms and leading him away.
My heart ached, as I wondered, "What must it have been like to be Mary, the Mother of God, watching Jesus become swept away and not being able to save Him from harm and even death?" I felt my heart fill with compassion and mercy for Mary.
Then, without skipping a beat, my heart filled with compassion for my Savior.
No matter the sacrifice Mary had to make, it was nothing compared to the sacrifice of Christ on that cross.
* Historical information referenced from West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
Copyright 2011.